An ambitious programme to return the world’s heaviest flying bird to the UK has been given a considerable lift from the European Union.
The Great Bustard Project, based on Salisbury Plain, has been awarded a EU LIFE+ €2.2million grant to enlarge the project over the next five years. The project is run by a partnership of the RSPB, Great Bustard Group, University of Bath and Natural England. Coverage of the story shall be on the 6 O’clock news tonight (19/01/10)
The great bustard is one of a number of species that the RSPB is working in partnership to restore to our countryside. RSPB species recovery officer, Leigh Lock said: “Great bustards last bred in the UK in 1832, and the RSPB is delighted to be working with partners to re-stablish them as breeding birds after an absence of 170 years. We also hope that the great bustard project will help promote the restoration of a lost landscape in southern England that will support some of our other rare and threatened wildlife.” Read more about the project here.
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Hi Tom
Thanks for that. I will be sure to watch. :-)
Best wishes Chris
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Ye learn somethin new every day!!!
I always thought the Mute Swan was the heaviest bird to fly in the UK.
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
I think the mute swan is Britain's largest bird - however that is defined. Wing span I assume?
Ant
"IT IS SAID THAT LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU DIE. THAT IS TRUE, IT'S CALLED LIVING."Death - Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent).
You might be interested to have a look here at the Great Bustard Groups website, especially if you wish to visit the release site!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
ty Ian thats a cool wee site
Wow up to 50lbs in weight.That is a heavy duty bird.
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .
Thanks Ian, just watched the news and saw the mentioned article. I would love to see the birds. Off to look at the GBG website.